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bếp
/ʔɓep̚˧ˀ⁴/
kitchen
Mẹ tôi đang nấu ăn trong bếp.
My mother is cooking in the kitchen.
neutral
A room or area where food is prepared and cooked.
Căn bếp nhỏ nhưng rất gọn gàng.
The small kitchen is very tidy.
Commonly used in Vietnamese households to refer to the kitchen area.
neutral
A stove or cooking appliance.
Bếp ga này rất tiện lợi.
This gas stove is very convenient.
Can refer to the stove itself, especially in compound terms like 'bếp ga' (gas stove).
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 'bếp' and 'nhà bếp'
'Bếp' can refer to the stove itself or the kitchen area, while 'nhà bếp' specifically means the kitchen room. For example, 'nhà bếp rộng rãi' means 'spacious kitchen,' whereas 'bếp ga' means 'gas stove.'
Word Origin
From Proto-Vietic *pɛp, related to Proto-Mon-Khmer *pɛp (fireplace).
Usage Notes
The word 'bếp' is used in both rural and urban Vietnamese contexts. In modern homes, it often refers to the kitchen area, while in traditional settings, it may specifically denote the stove or fireplace.
Từ Điển Việt Anh